Re-terminable LC connector assembly and cam termination tool

ABSTRACT

An improved, reversibly terminable fiber stub connector assembly is provided that can be readily and positively terminated in the field using simple termination tools. This allows repositioning or replacement of fiber optic cable field fibers if termination is not acceptable in performance. The tool may be a hand-held tool, or used in conjunction with a connector support structure to provide simplified and expeditious field termination of fiber optic cables. The cam tool can include a throughbore that enables connection of a patchcord to the stub fiber of the connector during or shortly after termination without removal of the termination tool. Accordingly, field testing of the connection can be made at the site of termination.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/624,820 filed Nov. 4, 2004, and is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

A re-terminable LC connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferruleholder assembly and a reusable actuation system for termination of theassembly. An LC connector termination and cam tool enables readyassembly, termination and adjustment of the LC connector assembly.

2. Description of Related Art

Fiber optic networks are becoming increasingly commonplace intelecommunications applications due to their increased bandwidth anddistance capabilities relative to copper networks. However, compared tocopper systems, fiber optic cables and connections are well known fortheir more critical and difficult termination.

Alignment between abutted glass cores within a fiber optic interface iscrucial to the performance of the connection. Additionally, fieldinstallation of standard “pot and finish” fiber optic connectors isextremely labor and expertise intensive. In most applications, aninstaller is required to prepare a fiber end, glue the fiber end in theconnector, cleave the excess fiber from the endface of the connector,and polish the endface of the connector to obtain the optimum geometryfor optical performance. Endface polishing is difficult andtime-consuming step, particularly when using single mode fiber, whichachieves best performance when using an automated polishing machine.However, automated polishing machines are often large and expensive,rendering them impractical for field use.

Fiber pigtail connectors were designed to eliminate the need for theselengthy steps. A pigtail connector is factory-prepared with a length offiber. In the factory, precise polishing machines can be used to achievea consistent polish. The endfaces can be inspected at the factory toensure correct endface geometry for optimum performance. In the field,the installer splices a length of fiber to a cable by means of a fusionsplicing machine. This eliminates much of the labor time, but requiresthe installer to purchase a fusion splicing machine and protectivesleeve, which are also expensive. This type of connector requires extrastorage for protection of the fusion splice.

Fiber stub connectors were designed to eliminate the need for fusionsplicing equipment, splice protection, and lengthy termination steps.The fiber stub connector employs a short fiber stub that is spliced tothe field fiber within the connector. Stub connectors typically requirea crimp to either activate the splice or retain the field fiber, orboth. However, the crimping operations, whether occurring at theinterface point or at some other point to retain the field fiber, have atendency to pull the field fiber and stub fiber apart, or otherwisedamage the signal-passing function of the interface.

If the connection is found to be poor after the crimping occurs, theconnector must be cut off because crimping is most often an irreversibleoperation. This wastes a stub fiber connector and a length of fiberoptic cable and requires a new connector and fiber optical cable end tobe terminated. This wastes both parts and labor, and can be an annoyanceto a field installer by delaying installation.

A reusable stub connector is desirable. One known reusable orre-terminable fiber stub connector is disclosed in commonly assignedU.S. application Ser. No. 10/647,848 filed Aug. 25, 2003, the subjectmatter of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

SUMMARY

Advantageous features are an improved fiber stub connector assembly thatis readily and positively terminated in the field using simpletermination tools. In exemplary embodiments, the fiber stub connectorassembly is reversibly terminated to allow repositioning or replacementof fiber optic cable field fibers if termination is not acceptable inperformance.

In exemplary embodiments, a simplified fiber termination cam toolreadily actuates an internal cam mechanism of the connector assemblythrough rotation to releasably terminate the fiber connection in theconnector. The tool may be a hand-held tool, or used in conjunction witha connector support structure to provide simplified and expeditiousfield termination of fiber optic cables. In exemplary embodiments, thecam tool can include a throughbore that enables connection of apatchcord to the stub fiber of the connector during or shortly aftertermination without removal of the termination tool. Accordingly, fieldtesting of the connection can be made at the site of termination.Moreover, because the exemplary connectors incorporate reversibletermination connections, improperly terminated connections can bereversed and the field fiber either repositioned and reterminated, or afresh field fiber can be provided for a new connection.

Other features and advantages will be recognized when read in light ofthe following disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, withreference to the following figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a fully assembled re-terminableLC-type connector, with dust caps and boots omitted for clarity,according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the LC-type Opti-Cam connector of FIGS.1-2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show perspective front and rear views, respectively, of anexemplary connector housing;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary stub ferrule assembly;

FIGS. 7A-7B are perspective front and rear views of an exemplary ferruleholder assembly;

FIGS. 8-9 are perspective front and rear views, respectively, of anexemplary cam sleeve;

FIGS. 10-11 are perspective front and rear views, respectively, of anexemplary cam detent mechanism;

FIGS. 12-13 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of anexemplary backbone;

FIGS. 14-15 are perspective views of an exemplary ferrule holderassembly in a partially assembled and fully assembled state,respectively;

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a cam detent system in the rearof the housing before termination;

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the cam detent system of FIG. 16after termination;

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section through the cam detent system and abackbone stop system before termination;

FIG. 19 shows a cross-section through the cam detent system and backbonestop system of FIG. 18 after termination;

FIG. 20 shows a cross-section through a buffer clamping system beforetermination;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section through the buffer clamping system of FIG.20 after termination;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section through a fiber clamping system beforetermination;

FIG. 23 shows a cross-section of the fiber clamping system of FIG. 22after termination;

FIG. 24 shows a cross-section of a ferrule holder assembly and a camtermination tool before termination;

FIG. 25 shows a cross-section of the ferrule holder assembly and camtermination tool after termination;

FIG. 26 shows a cross-section through the longitudinal centerline of theLC connector assembly in an unmated condition before termination;

FIG. 27 shows a cross-section through the longitudinal centerline of theLC connector assembly or FIG. 26 at full spring travel condition beforetermination;

FIG. 28 is a side view of an exemplary LC Opti-Cam connector terminationtool;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an exemplary LC cam tool showing aplurality of internal keyways;

FIG. 30 is an end view of the LC cam tool showing the LC cam toolkeyways;

FIG. 31 is an end view of the exemplary LC Opti-Cam connector showing acorresponding plurality of keys that mate with the LC cam tool keyways;

FIG. 32 is a perspective partial cutaway view of the LC Opti-Camconnector showing a ferrule holder with the keys;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the LC cam tool installed in the LC Opti-Camconnector;

FIG. 34 is a partial view of the LC Opti-Cam termination tool of FIG. 28showing a cradle that receives an LC connector and LC cam tool;

FIG. 35 is a partial view of the LC cradle of FIG. 34 with the LC camtool installed and an LC connector being slid into engagement;

FIG. 36 is a partial view of the LC cradle of FIG. 34 with the LC camtool installed and the LC connector being in engagement with the tool;

FIG. 37 is a partial view of the LC cradle with a field fiber insertedinto the LC connector and the connector being rotated 90 degrees toclamp the field fiber;

FIG. 38 is a partial view of the LC cradle with a field fiber insertedinto the LC connector and the connector being rotated in an oppositedirection 90 degrees to unclamp the field fiber, allowing removal orrepositioning;

FIG. 39 is a partial view of the LC cradle showing the LC cam tool beingremoved;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an alternative LC cam tool incorporatedinto a patchcord;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an alternative LC cam tool built intothe LC cradle; and

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of yet alternative LC cam tool having anenlarged handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of a re-terminable LC type fiber optic connectorwill be illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1-27. The fully assembledconnector assembly 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-2 and an exploded view isshown in FIG. 3. LC connector assembly 100 includes an LC connectorhousing 110, stub ferrule assembly 120, planks 130, ferrule holder 140,cam sleeve 150, compression spring 160, cam detent 170, and backbone 180that terminate a fiber optic cable 190. Cable 190 includes a field fiber192, buffer 194, fibers 196, and outer body 198.

Additional details of each component of LC connector assembly 100 willbe described with reference to FIGS. 4-15. FIGS. 4-5 illustrate frontand rear views of connector housing 110. A front bore 111 allows accessto ferrule holder 140 when using cam termination tool 200 (FIGS. 28-42).The rear bore includes a longitudinal keying groove 116 that mates withkeying rib 156 (FIGS. 8-9) of cam sleeve 150 to maintain the cam sleeveorientation relative to connector housing 110. The rear bore alsoincludes detent notches 114 that lock the connector orientation beforeand after 90 degree cam rotation travel. This feature keeps theconnector orientation either in the cammed position or the un-cammedposition. A spring latch 172 (FIGS. 10-11) from cam detent 170 snapsinto the detent notches 114. This feature keeps the connectororientation either in the cam position or the un-cam position.

The angle and radii of the spring latch 172 assist in controlling theamount of force required to rotate the connector housing 110 anddisengage the spring latch 172 from the notches 114. A notch 112 allowsthe back of housing 110 to flex in, making clearance for the backbone180 to snap over the latches 113 on housing 110. A locking rib 182 ofbackbone 180 (FIG. 12) slides into the notch 112 to eliminate theability of the housing 110 backend to flex in during loading of thebackbone 180 under test. This feature can also make the connector tamperproof by not allowing the backbone 180 to be removed without breakingthe parts. Latches 113 snap into pockets 188 on backbone 180 (FIGS.12-13) and hold the connector assembly 100 together.

Tamper rib 115 slides into the recess groove 184 of backbone 180 (FIGS.12-13) and eliminates the ability to remove the backbone 180 fromhousing 110 without breaking the components. Ferrule holder assemblystop 118 is provided on the interior of the bore 111 and keeps theferrule assembly 140 from removal out of the front of housing 110.

FIG. 6 illustrates details of the stub ferrule assembly 120, whichincludes a stub fiber 122, a ferrule 124, and a shoulder spacer 126. Thestub fiber 122 is bonded inside ferrule 124 and cleaved and polished.The spacer 126 is pressed over the backend to create a shoulder thattakes up the space in the ferrule holder bore 143 (FIGS. 7A-7B) wherethe planks 132 and 134 (FIG. 3) are assembled inside of the ferruleholder 140. Shoulder spacer 126 is made to press over the ferrule 124and inside ferrule holder assembly 140. Once the stub ferrule assembly120 is pressed inside the ferrule holder 140, the components are gluedin place.

The fiber retaining planks 130 (FIG. 3) include upper plank 132 andlower plank 134 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). Lower plank 134 includes alongitudinal extending and radially outward projecting rib 136 whileupper plank 132 includes a mating face with a V-groove for receivingstub fiber 122 and field fiber 192. Both planks 132 and 134 areassembled inside ferrule holder 140. The lower clamp plank 134 may beassembled first and can be pushed to the side of the bore so that rib136 protrudes out of plank rib slit 142 in ferrule holder 140. Once theclamping plank 134 is sufficiently seated, the V-groove plank 132 can beinstalled. The stub ferrule assembly 120 may then be pressed and gluedinto ferrule holder assembly 140. This traps the planks 130 (bothclamping plank 134 and V-groove plank 132) inside ferrule holder 140.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate details of the ferrule holder 140. Ferruleholder 140 includes a press/ferrule holder bore 143 that receives thestub ferrule assembly 120 by press fit. The stub ferrule assembly isthen bonded by a suitable adhesive to ensure high ferrule retention inthe finished product. A plurality of keying ribs 149 are provided aroundthe outer periphery of the bore 143. In an exemplary embodiment shown,four keying ribs 149 are provided, each being 90 degrees apart. However,other keying arrangements can be provided. The keying pattern isdesigned to mate with an associated cam termination tool 200 (see FIGS.35-38). Ferrule holder 140 is also preferably provided with at least onekey flat 145. The flat helps key this component in place during theassembly process of the planks 130 and stub ferrule assembly 120.

At least one, and preferably two, buffer clamp arms 146 are providedaround the periphery of the ferrule holder. Preferably, the clamp armsare symmetrically provided around the periphery. In the illustratedembodiment, two clamp arms 146 are provided diametrically opposed toeach other. One is shown in the top view of FIG. 7A while the other isshown in the bottom view of FIG. 7B. The dual buffer clamp arms 146clamp onto the buffered fiber 190 after the cam sleeve 150 is rotated 90degrees via the housing 110. By using at least dual clamp arms, asubstantially uniform clamping pressure can be applied on the bufferedfiber clamped by the arms.

The cam detent 170 (FIGS. 10-11) and ferrule holder 140 must retain thesame orientation so that the detent system works within the designeddegree of rotation, e.g., 90 degrees or any other desirable rotationangle. This can be achieved by provision of a detent key 144 thatprotrudes radially outward from the ferrule holder assembly 140 as shownin FIG. 7A. In exemplary embodiments, detent key 144 is designed so asto not disengage the cam detent 170 during linear travel motion of theferrule holder assembly 140 or normal operation of the connector. Thelower side of ferrule holder assembly 140 is provided with a plank ribslit 142 that allows the clamping plank rib 136 of lower plank 134 (FIG.3) to protrude through the casing of the ferrule holder assembly 140.This also allows the cam sleeve 150 to compress the planks 132 and 134together during the termination process.

FIGS. 8 and 9 describe details of an exemplary cam sleeve 150. Alongitudinal keying rib 156 is provided on the outer periphery of camsleeve 150. Keying rib 156 mates with keying groove 116 provided onconnector housing 110 to lock the orientation of the cam sleeve 150 forrotation with connector housing 110. However, other keying structurescan be provided. An assembly notch 152 is preferably provided to helporient the cam sleeve 150 when installing it onto ferrule holderassembly 140. This can be achieved, for example, by notch 152 forming aviewing window that can be aligned with the clamping plank's rib 136,which is protruding through plank rib slit 142 of ferrule holderassembly 140.

An interior periphery of cam sleeve 150 has a predetermined cam profilethat, when the cam sleeve 150 is rotated relative to ferrule holder 140,compresses the clamping plank 134 inside ferrule holder assembly 140between first and second positions. The first position is preferably anunconstrained and unterminated position where the clamping plank exertslittle or no clamping force on the field or stub fibers and the secondposition is preferably a constrained and terminated position where theclamping plank 134 is compressed to generate a sufficient clampingpressure on the field and stub fibers to retain them between the planks132, 134. The inner bore of cam sleeve 150 is also provided with abuffer cam profile 154 that mates with the dual buffer clamp arms 146 offerrule holder assembly 140 to generate a clamping pressure that retainsa buffered fiber when the assembly is rotated to the terminatedposition. Preferably, rings 158 are provided that snap over the dualbuffer clamp arms 146 on ferrule holder assembly 140 to lock the camsleeve 150 onto the ferrule holder assembly 140.

The compression spring 160 (FIG. 3) is trapped between the cam sleeve150 and the cam detent 170 to forward bias the ferrule holder assembly140 in the connector housing.

FIGS. 10 and 11 describe details of the cam detent 170. Cam detent 170includes a spring latch 172 that snaps into notches 114 of connectorhousing 110 to control the amount of force required to rotate the cam 90degrees between terminated and unterminated positions. The angle andheight of the latch 172 are preferably optimized to control the amountof force required. A stop post 178 extends longitudinally from one endof cam detent 170 and interacts with an arcuate detent groove 186 (FIGS.12-13) within backbone 180 to restrict cam rotation to a desired rangeof motion, such as the illustrated 90 degrees. However, other ranges ofmotion could be substituted. Key groove 174 is provided to key theorientation of the cam detent 170 with the ferrule holder assembly 140.This feature ensures that the cam detent 170 rotates in unison with theferrule holder assembly 140 and independent of the housing 110, camsleeve 150, and backbone 180 components. A notch relief 176 allows latch172 to deflect and the housing 110 and cam sleeve 150 to rotate freely.A cam detent ferrule holder bore 173 is sized with a diameter that ispreferably optimized to allow a maximum amount of angular float in theconnector while maintaining the desired keying system with the ferruleholder assembly 140.

FIGS. 12 and 13 describe details of the backbone 180. A recess groove184 reduces the amount of stress on the walls of the backbone 180 whenthe housing latches 113 are snapped into pockets 188. Additionally,tamper ribs 115 (FIGS. 4-5) can be provided to slide into this area andprevent the removal of the backbone without breaking one of thecomponents. This provides an optional tamper proof component to theassembly. Detent groove 186 controls the rotation of the housing 110 inrelation to the ferrule holder 140 assembly by defining the degree offreedom of the system and providing specific stop positions where stoppost 178 is constrained. External threads 183 may be provided on therear exterior periphery as shown to trap Kevlar from the jacketed fiberoptic cable 190 between the backbone 180 and a Kevlar nut assembly (notshown). This generates high cable retention loads and forms a strainrelief mechanism for the fiber optic cable. A locking rib 182 isprovided on the interior of backbone 180 that slides into notch 112 ofhousing 110 to prevent the backbone 180 from being removed withoutbreaking one of the components to provide another tamper proof function.

As better shown in FIGS. 14-15, ferrule holder assembly 140 receivesstub ferrule assembly 120 at its front end and receives cam sleeve 150over its rear end. During assembly, alignment notch 152 is used to alignwith the longitudinal slit 142 while cam sleeve 150 is positioned overthe assembly 140. FIG. 14 shows the two assemblies in a partiallyassembled state, while FIG. 15 shows the two assemblies in a fullyassembled state.

FIGS. 16-17 show cross-sectional views of cam detent system details nearthe rear of housing 110 both before (FIG. 16) and after (FIG. 17)termination. Housing 110 has backbone 180 coaxially provided over itsexterior while cam detent 170 is coaxially provided on the interior ofhousing 110. Inward protrusion 182 of backbone 180 is received withincorresponding channel 112 of housing 110. Ferrule holder 140 iscoaxially located on the interior of cam detent 170 with longitudinallyextending protrusion 144 mating with corresponding channel 174 of camdetent 170. As shown, spring-biased protrusion 172 of cam detent 170 isreceived within corresponding detent notch 114 of housing 110.

The initial (unterminated) orientation is as shown in FIG. 16. However,when the backbone 180 is rotated 90 degrees in the direction shown inFIG. 17, the housing 110 and cam sleeve 150 (not shown) also rotate.Notice, however, that ferrule holder 140 and cam detent 170 do notrotate when backbone 180 is rotated. This is achieved through retentionof ferrule holder assembly 140 by cam tool 200 as better illustrated inFIGS. 35-39.

FIGS. 18-19 show cross-sectional views of cam detent 170 and backbone180 in which details of a stop system are illustrated both before andafter termination. In particular, these Figures show arcuate detentgroove 186 of backbone 180 defining an angular rotation range for stoppost 178 protruding longitudinally from cam detent 170. In a preferredembodiment, the chord section of arcuate detent groove 186 formspositive stops that allow a 90 degree rotation of the cam detent 170relative to backbone 180.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate a buffer clamping system provided within LCconnector assembly 100. Connector housing 110 receives cam sleeve 150therein. Cam sleeve 150 defines a hollow interior portion 154 that is inan oval or otherwise cammed, non-circular shape. Ferrule holder 140 hasa substantially cylindrical outer profile, with buffer clamping arms 146initially extending radially outward to define a substantially circularinterior buffer fiber bore 148 for receiving buffer 194 of fiber opticcable 190. However, upon termination, by rotation of housing 110relative to ferrule holder 140, the interior cam profile 154 changesorientation. This profile when rotated urges buffer clamping arms 146radially inward, causing a decrease in the size of the buffer fiber bore148. This results in a compression force that will retain the buffer 194of fiber optic cable 190 (FIG. 3) fixedly in place.

FIGS. 22-23 illustrate a fiber clamping system used to clamp field fiber192 of cable 190 between upper plank 132 and lower plank 134 of plankmembers 130. Before termination, as shown in FIG. 22, planks 132 and 134are initially spaced apart to receive field fiber 192 therebetween.Connector housing 110 includes a longitudinal protruding channel 116that receives a mating rib 156 of cam sleeve 150. This locks rotation ofthe cam sleeve 150 with connector housing 110. Cam sleeve 150 alsoincludes an internal cam profile 158 that before termination opposes aprotruding rib 136 and allows the protruding rib to project throughplank rib slit 142 in ferrule holder 140.

During rotation, housing 110 and cam sleeve 150 rotate around ferruleassembly 140. During this rotation, however, the internal cam profile158 of cam sleeve 150 moves away from protruding rib 136. This providesa camming action that compresses lower plank 134 towards upper plank 132and creates a positive clamping force on the field fiber 192 and stubfiber 122 provided between the opposed plank halves 132, 134 as shown inFIG. 23.

FIGS. 24-25 illustrate a section of the ferrule holder assembly 140 bothbefore and after termination, respectively. Termination is attained byuse of a cam termination tool 200 having a plurality of keyways 210spaced around an inner periphery that mate with and engage acorresponding one of a plurality of keys 149 provided on the outercircumference of ferrule holder assembly 140. During termination,connector housing 110 is rotated 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 25. Duringthis rotation, only housing 110 rotates. Because cam tool 200 is fixedin position, ferrule holder assembly 140 and stub ferrule assembly 120do not move. Alternatively, housing 110 could be fixed and cam tool 200rotated to rotate ferrule holder assembly 140 and stub fiber assembly120 relative to the housing 110.

FIGS. 26-27 are side cross-sectional views down the longitudinalcenterline that show additional detail of the various cam assemblycomponents. FIG. 26 is in an unterminated but assembled state. FIG. 27shows the assembly at a full spring travel condition before termination.This view shows the stop structure designed in the connector housing 110that restricts travel of ferrule holder assembly 140 and stub fiberassembly inside housing 110 and eliminates full compression of spring160 to a solid height.

FIGS. 28-42 show various tools that can be used to terminate the LCconnector assembly 100 described in the above embodiments. Exemplary LCcam tools include an Opti-Cam termination tool 300 that receives andassists in termination and optional diagnostics of the connectorassemblies 100 and a cam tool 200 that engages with components withinthe connector assembly, preventing them from rotation when the remainderof the connector housing is rotated between an initial uncammed positionand a cammed termination position. Additionally, a patchcord 400 may beconnected between termination tool 300 and the LC connector assembly 100through the cam tool 200.

Particular details of the termination tool 300 and cam tool 200 aredescribed with reference to FIGS. 29-39. FIGS. 29-33 show features ofthe interconnection between cam tool 200 and connector assembly 100. Inparticular, a first exemplary embodiment of cam tool 200 includes a mainbody 220 containing a front bore 250 in which are provided at least one,and preferably a plurality of keying grooves or keyways 210 sized andspaced to mate with corresponding key 149 provided on ferrule holderassembly 140 of connector assembly 100. Cam tool also preferablyincludes a rear bore 260 that is in communication with front bore 250such that a throughbore is provided. Cam tool 200 also preferablyincludes a groove 230 that extends over at least a portion of thecircumference of main body 220. Groove 230 provides a retention elementthat helps constrain one or more degrees of freedom of movement of camtool 200 relative to termination tool 300. Cam tool 200 also may includea lever 240 formed as a projection extending radially and longitudinallyfrom the cam tool. Cam tool lever 240 can serve several functions,including use as a manual handle and as a further retention structurefor constraining movement of the cam tool when mounted in terminationtool 300.

In the illustrated embodiment, four internal keyways 210 aresymmetrically provided within bore 250 and four external symmetricalprojecting keys 149 are provided on ferrule holder assembly 140.However, the size, shape and location of the keys and correspondingkeyways can be varied to any desirable pattern that can achieve aninterlocking function in which the cam tool 200 and desired portions ofconnector assembly 140 are interlocked and prevented from substantialrotation relative to each other. Moreover, the size and shape of theouter periphery of ferrule holder assembly 140 and size and shape offront bore 250 can be changed, so long as the leading edge portion offerrule holder assembly 140 is capable of being received within thefront bore 250 and interlocking contact is made between keyways 210 andkeys 149. Thus, when the cam tool 200 is properly mated with connectorassembly 100, cam tool 200 is partially received over at least a portionof the ferrule holder assembly 140 of connector assembly 100.

Details of termination tool 300 will be described with reference toFIGS. 34-39. Termination tool 300 includes an LC cradle 310 thatprovides a support surface for receiving and supporting a movable LCconnector assembly 100 during termination procedures. LC cradle 310includes an upwardly projecting rear support 320 and an upwardlyprojecting front support 330. Rear support 320 is sized and shaped toreceive and partially constrain a rear portion of the housing 110 of LCconnector assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, rear support 320includes two upstanding side walls 322 and a recess 324 shaped tosupport and receive at least a lowermost portion of the LC connectorassembly housing. This constraint preferably allows limited linearmovement of connector assembly 100 in the direction of the arrow in FIG.35 and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly100, while constraining lateral motion.

Front support 330 also includes upstanding side walls 332 and a recess334. In this exemplary embodiment, front support 330 is also providedwith a second recess portion 336 sized and shaped to accommodate lever200 of cam tool 200 while recess 334 is sized and shaped to accommodatethe main body 220 of cam tool 200. As shown in FIG. 34, cam tool 200 ismoved in the direction of the arrow and secured to front support 330 byone or more retention structures. One such retention structure isattained by designing the shape of the recesses 334 and 336 and theflexibility of sidewalls 332 to tightly hold the cam tool within support330. The provision of the second recess 336 and projecting lever 240 actto prevent rotation of cam tool 200 relative to front support 330. Thesnap fit of the two components may also constrain longitudinal andlateral movement of cam tool 200. However, longitudinal constraint canbe further constrained by provision of a snap fit groove 338 withinrecess 334 that mates with groove 230 of cam tool 200.

Termination of the LC connector assembly 100 will be described withreference to FIGS. 35-39. As shown in FIG. 35, cam tool 200 is mountedwithin front support 330. LC connector assembly 100 is then positionedin rear support 320 and slid longitudinally in the direction of thearrow into engagement with cam tool 200. That is, until keyways 210engage with corresponding keys 149 of the ferrule holder assembly. Onceengaged, cam tool 200, being itself locked from rotation by frontsupport 330, acts to prevent rotation of ferrule holder assembly 140.

As shown in FIG. 36, a first end of a patchcord 400, such as a 1.25 mmVFL patchcord, can be inserted through rear bore 260 of the cam tool 200into engagement with the stub fiber assembly of connector 100. Thesecond end of patchcord 400 can then be connected to a correspondingterminal of termination tool 300 (FIG. 28). Termination tool 300 caninclude appropriate known mechanical, optical and/or electrical devicesto detect and/or diagnose operation of the optical fiber connectionbeing terminated.

In the state shown in FIG. 36, the fiber optic components withinconnector assembly 100 are in an unterminated state. A fiber optic cable190 including a field fiber (unshown) may then be inserted through thebackbone of connector assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 37 until the fieldfiber is extended between the planks and into substantial abutmentagainst the stub fiber. Then, LC cradle 310 may be pushed backwards tocreate a bow in the field fiber. At this time, the connector housing 110of connector assembly 100 is rotated a predetermined amount, e.g., 90degrees in this illustrated embodiment. This rotates components withinconnector assembly 100 to cause a camming action that clamps the stubfiber and field fiber within planks 130. While still in the terminationtool 300, the just terminated connection can be tested using patchcord400. If the termination is successful, the termination connectorassembly 100 can be removed from the termination tool 300 by upwardlifting. Terminated connector 100 can then also be removed from cam tool200 to form a field terminated optical fiber.

In the event of a poor termination, the housing 110 can be rotated in anopposite direction as shown in FIG. 38. This disengages the clampingaction of the planks and various detents and reverses the termination ofthe field and stub fibers. The field fiber can then be removed from, orrepositioned in, the connector assembly at which time a subsequenttermination procedure can be initiated to establish a propertermination. Thus, the connector assembly is reterminable and includesreversible termination structure that can be terminated and unterminatedwhile situated within termination tool 300. Moreover, by integration ofthe termination tool with patchcord 400 and associated testingequipment, field testing of the connection can be achieved at the timeof termination, greatly improving field termination efficiency.

Although cam tool 200 is designed for use with termination device 300,cam tool 200 can be removed from termination tool 300 and usedindependently (FIG. 39). This can be achieved by pulling tool 200 upwardin the direction of the arrow out of the snap-fit connection. This maybe desired to uncam the connector in case of a poor termination.

There are various other configurations of cam tool 200 that arepossible. A first alternative cam tool 200′ is shown in FIG. 40. In thisembodiment, cam tool 200′ is integrated into a test patchcord 400′, suchas a 1.25 mm VFL patchcord. As in the prior embodiment, cam tool 200′includes appropriate keyways 210′. A second alternative is shown in FIG.41, in which a cam tool 200″ is built into the LC cradle 310 and formsthe front support of termination tool 300. As in the first embodiment,cam tool 200″ can include a throughbore that allows connection of apatchcord 400″ through the cam tool into engagement with connectorassembly 100. A third alternative cam tool 200′″ is shown in FIG. 42. Inthis alternative, the cam tool is a separate tool used to manuallyactuate the Opti-cam mechanism within connector assembly 100 without theuse of termination tool 300. In this embodiment, an installer would loadthe field fiber through the back of the connector assembly 100 as inprior embodiments. The cam tool 200′″ would then be moved intoengagement with the connector assembly and either the cam tool 200′″ orthe housing 110 rotated relative to the other to activate the cam andterminate the fiber. This cam tool 200′″ could also be used to uncam orrelease the termination of a fully terminated connector so as to reversethe termination, allowing either a repositioning of the field fiber toimprove operation, or substitution of a new field fiber to form aterminated connection. Thus, the disclosed connector system iscompletely reterminable.

The exemplary embodiments set forth above are intended to beillustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, thesystems and methods according to this invention are intended to embraceall known, or later-developed, alternatives, modifications, variations,and/or improvements.

1. A cam termination tool for terminating a fiber optic cable within astub fiber connector assembly having a connector housing containing acam actuated clamping device, a ferrule holder with a keying structureexposed to a front bore of the connector housing, the ferrule holdercontaining a ferrule on which a stub and field fiber can be terminatedby actuation of the cam actuated clamping device, the cam terminationtool comprising: a main body having a cam tool engagement end having apredefined circumferential profile to fit within the front bore of theconnector housing, the tool engagement end having a corresponding keyingstructure insertable into the connector assembly housing into matingcontact with the keying structure of the ferrule holder to lock rotationof the ferrule holder with rotation of the cam termination tool, whileallowing rotation of the connector housing, wherein the main body isdimensioned to allow rotation of the connector housing relative theretobetween an unterminated position where field and stub fibers within thefiber optic connector assembly are not constrained and a terminatedposition where the cam-actuated clamping device clamps down on the stuband field fibers with at least a predefined holding force to terminateconnection of the fiber optic cable to the connector assembly.
 2. Thecam termination tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool is ahand-held tool with a handle.
 3. The cam termination tool according toclaim 1, wherein the main body is mounted to a connector assembly cradlethat at least partially supports the connector assembly housing duringtermination.
 4. The cam termination tool according to claim 3, whereinthe main body is built into the cradle.
 5. The cam termination toolaccording to claim 3, wherein the main body is removable from thecradle.
 6. The cam termination tool according to claim 5, wherein thecam termination tool main body can be independently used to terminatethe connector assembly apart from the cradle.
 7. The cam terminationtool according to claim 5, wherein the cradle includes a front supporton which the main body of the cam termination tool is supported and arear support on which the connector assembly housing is supported, oneof the front and rear supports allowing relative rotation of theconnector housing relative to the cam tool engagement end.
 8. The camtermination tool according to claim 7, wherein the main body includes aradially projecting lever and the front support includes a recess sizedand shaped to accommodate the main body and projecting lever andrestrain the lever from rotation.
 9. The cam termination tool accordingto claim 8, wherein the recess includes a groove that mates with acorresponding groove on the main body to constrain longitudinal movementof the main body.
 10. The cam termination tool according to claim 1,wherein the cam termination tool includes a throughbore that enables apatchcord to be connected to the fiber optic cable through the camtermination tool during termination.
 11. The cam termination toolaccording to claim 10, wherein the patchcord is also connected to adiagnostic tool that detects operation parameters of the terminatedfiber optic connector assembly.
 12. The cam termination tool accordingto claim 1, wherein the cam termination tool is integrated into apatchcord.
 13. A cam termination tool for terminating a fiber opticcable within a stub fiber connector assembly, the stub fiber connectorassembly including a connector housing, a stub ferrule containing a stubfiber, a pair of clamping planks that receive the stub fiber and a fieldfiber therebetween, a ferrule holder assembly with a keying structureexposed to a front bore of the connector housing, a cam sleeve providedover the ferrule holder assembly having a cam profile that when rotatedactuates a cam mechanism that clamps the clamping planks against thestub and field fibers, a cam detent, and a backbone, wherein rotation ofthe cam sleeve is locked to rotation of the connector housing and theferrule holder assembly is free to rotate relative to the connectorhousing, the cam termination tool comprising: a main body having a camtool engagement end having a predefined circumferential profile thatfits within the front bore of the connector housing, the tool engagementend having a corresponding keying structure that mates with the keyingstructure of the ferrule holder to lock rotation of the ferrule holderassembly with rotation of the cam termination tool, while allowingrotation of the connector housing, wherein relative rotation of the camtermination tool relative to the connector housing moves the cam profileto urge the clamping planks between an unterminated position where thefield and stub fibers within the fiber optic connector assembly are notconstrained and a terminated position where the clamping planks clampdown on the stub and field fibers with at least a predefined holdingforce to terminate connection of the fiber optic cable to the connectorassembly.
 14. A cam termination tool for terminating a fiber optic cablewithin a stub fiber connector assembly, the stub fiber connectorassembly including a connector housing, a stub ferrule containing a stubfiber, a pair of clamping planks that receive the stub fiber and a fieldfiber therebetween, a ferrule holder assembly with a keying structureexposed to a front bore of the connector housing, a cam sleeve providedover the ferrule holder assembly having a cam profile that when rotatedactuates a cam mechanism that clamps the clamping planks against thestub and field fibers, a cam detent, and a backbone, wherein rotation ofthe cam sleeve is locked to rotation of the connector housing and theferrule holder assembly is free to rotate relative to the connectorhousing, the cam termination tool comprising: a main body having a camtool engagement end having a predefined circumferential profile thatfits within the front bore of the connector housing, the tool engagementend having a corresponding keying structure that mates with the keyingstructure of the ferrule holder to lock rotation of the ferrule holderassembly with rotation of the cam termination tool, while allowingrotation of the connector housing; and a connector assembly cradle thatat least partially supports the connector assembly housing duringtermination, wherein relative rotation of the cam termination toolrelative to the connector housing moves the cam profile to urge theclamping planks between an unterminated position where the field andstub fibers within the fiber optic connector assembly are notconstrained and a terminated position where the clamping planks clampdown on the stub and field fibers with at least a predefined holdingforce to terminate connection of the fiber optic cable to the connectorassembly.
 15. The cam termination tool according to claim 14, whereinthe main body is removable from the cradle.
 16. The cam termination toolaccording to claim 14, wherein the cradle includes a front support onwhich the main body of the cam termination tool is supported and a rearsupport on which the connector assembly housing is supported, one of thefront and rear supports allowing relative rotation of the connectorhousing relative to the cam tool engagement end.
 17. The cam terminationtool according to claim 16, wherein the main body includes a radiallyprojecting lever and the front support includes a recess sized andshaped to accommodate the main body and projecting lever and restrainthe lever from rotation.
 18. The cam termination tool according to claim17, wherein the recess includes a groove that mates with a correspondinggroove on the main body to constrain longitudinal movement of the mainbody.
 19. The cam termination tool according to claim 14, wherein thecam termination tool includes a throughbore that enables a patchcord tobe connected to the fiber optic cable through the cam termination toolduring termination.
 20. The cam termination tool according to claim 19,wherein the patchcord is also connected to a diagnostic tool thatdetects operation parameters of the terminated fiber optic connectorassembly.